Monza to celebrate 20 years of Cars with Lightning McQueen-inspired F1 Safety Car

The 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza will feature a special celebration for the 20th anniversary of the Disney-Pixar film Cars, with the Formula 1 Safety Car adopting colours inspired by Lightning McQueen. The tribute will not be limited to the Mercedes Safety Car, as a vehicle virtually identical to the animated racing star is also set to appear on track during the Monza weekend.

Twenty years after Lightning McQueen first appeared on the big screen, Formula 1 is preparing to bring one of motorsport cinema’s most recognisable characters to the Autodromo Nazionale Monza. The initiative will add another distinctive element to the 2026 Italian Grand Prix.

Lightning McQueen-inspired Safety Car coming to Monza

“Elegant as a saloon and nimble as a go-kart”: Monza will provide the setting for the celebration of two decades since the release of the famous Disney-Pixar film Cars.

For the occasion, the Mercedes Safety Car will take on a special appearance inspired by Lightning McQueen, echoing the colours of the racing car that became the central character of the animated film.

The celebration will extend beyond the Safety Car itself. A vehicle described as practically identical to Lightning McQueen is also scheduled to perform on track, giving fans at the circuit another direct reference to the character that has become closely associated with racing culture for an entire generation.

Cars connection reaches Formula 1 drivers too

That generation includes Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson, whose enthusiasm for Lightning McQueen has already been evident away from the track. Lawson was genuinely delighted when he received a radio-controlled version of Lightning McQueen during the drivers’ Secret Santa exchange.

The character’s appearance at Monza therefore connects the 20th anniversary of Cars with both long-time fans of the film and members of the current Formula 1 grid who grew up with it.

The special Safety Car and Lightning McQueen track appearance will form part of an already highly anticipated Italian Grand Prix weekend at Monza, bringing an additional entertainment element to one of Formula 1’s most famous events.